Earlier this summer, I gave into my impulse to buy an apron. I wondered if it was a viable option for wearing with costumes. My biggest concern was the neck band. In my limited memory, I thought the common way to support the bib front was pins, not bands. But a quick search on the Met’s site showed the bands would be fine.

1800-1890

1820-29
The next apron shows that white with lace is also acceptable.

1840-60
My costuming pal, Lottie Lovette pointed out, however, that Battenburg lace was not really a thing until the late 1800s so I will have to confine the aprons use to my 1890s outfits.

It would work with this outfit.

Or with this skirt and the other shirtwaist.
The white apron on a white shirtwaist may be a bit much so perhaps I need to make another shirtwaist. But what color…? A pale yellow may work with both skirts. Not a fan of yellow though. Both skirts have stripes so I think I will avoid stripes in the new shirtwaist.
I’d also like to make an apron (or two) more suited to earlier times…. One should be practical, something a lady might actually do some work in and one should be more decorative. The examples posted above are excellent inspirations. So many project ideas…so little time!